Hi, hi! I almost didn't get the chance to do this. Darn class. Anyway, on with the show!

Thanks go to Xros-Hero and Lady the Rainicorn for their reviews! Lady, the setting has... I think been revealed by this chapter. If not, it will be slowly unveiled into the upcoming ones. Thanks for the Author Alert by the way. :D

IV. Leavings

"Part of life is letting go."

"Koto Slash!"

It was a very dangerous move, that. He had just nearly cut the guy's arm off with a sword after all. However, Tsurugi Zenjirou was the master of stupid decisions and dangerous moves. So he only winced at his blade grazing that familiar gloved hand, tackling Yuu safely to the ground. He registered the blonde's surprised face and grinned with pride. Not bad for a normal guy.

They both hit the dirt, coughing up dust. Taiki watched this with a small chuckle in his mouth. "Oh, I thought someone else would get involved at some point. Hello, Tsurugi Zenjirou-kun."

"I'm afraid I can't accept praise from you Kudo Taiki!" Zenjirou said, pointing his blade at the other boy. Mentally, he hissed. The curled lip, abyssal eyes, even the way he stood in the sand and dusty sky and smiled, they were not his rival in the slightest. There was no warmth in this. Therefore, he had no reason to hesitate on his attacks. Behind him, Yuu slowly attempted to stand. "Not when you're trying to shatter Nene-san's heart!"

"I'm trying to kill her actually," Taiki corrected, seeing the blade with one watchful eye. This time the scarlet wisps awoke and rushed forward, hitting the ground as Zenjirou pulled Yuu back. He kept his expression firm and voice even, but he shook internally. "Yuu-kun is first, however, due to the crimes of betrayal and murder."

Zenjirou scowled and charged forward to slice at Taiki's head. "Murder for murder isn't like… you."

"Suppose not," the boy conceded as he dodged, thrusting his palm forward. The energy crashed into Zenjirou's chest and he flew to smack into Yuu. "I don't think that's a big deal. That person was rather useless. I had to let go of someone… like that."

"Useless?" Zenjirou shouted. "Useless, my ass!" He pushed himself back up. "I'll show you how useless you were, you General! You almost saved the world! You turned darkness into light! You believed in us when we didn't!"

"Indeed, but hope isn't enough anymore." Taiki sighed and stepped away from them. He turned away and walked off. "I'd love to stay, but…" He glanced back and smiled. The expression was sweet, like he had licked melted chocolate from his lips. "This chase needs to last a little longer. I want for that one to savor this moment, where the past is cut off forever. Maybe then, Yuu-kun will play with me."

He laughed. "I do enjoy a good game myself after all."